Braces Offered At NC Tooth Docs Orthodontics & Kids Dentistry
We offer two kinds of braces at our practice. Picking the right type of braces for your personal needs is a discussion you can have with your orthodontist when you come in for a consultation.
With our traditional metal braces, the orthodontist will attach metal brackets to your teeth with a special type of non-toxic glue and then connect the brackets via metal wires. Small elastic bands are then placed on the brackets to keep everything in place. You will need to visit your orthodontist every 4-6 weeks to get your braces manually tightened and keep your teeth moving in the right direction.
Our other option available is Iconix aesthetic braces. These braces essentially work in the same way that traditional braces do, but they use gold or champagne-colored stainless steel brackets. These specialized brackets mimic the natural color of the teeth, giving a less noticeable appearance during treatment. Often adults or those who spend a lot of time in the public eye will opt for Iconix braces rather than traditional braces.
Alternatives to Braces
In addition to traditional metal braces and Iconix aesthetic braces, we offer treatment with Invisalign. Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners to achieve many of the same results as braces. The aligners often go unnoticed by others, so people may not even realize that you are in the process of fixing your teeth. For aesthetic purposes, Invisalign is a great option, though it can sometimes take longer for Invisalign to correct serious bite misalignments or malocclusions. Once your orthodontist examines your teeth and takes X-rays, you will get a better idea of your diagnosis and whether braces or Invisalign would work better for you.
Duration and Price of Treatment
Treatment time and cost of braces really vary based on your diagnosis, how quickly your teeth move, and if you follow directions given by your orthodontist. On average, treatment is completed in one to three years. The longer the treatment, the more costly treatment will be. To get an accurate price estimate, we welcome you to book a consultation with NC Tooth Docs Orthodontics & Kids Dentistry. We never want financial limitations to get in the way of fixing your smile, so make sure to ask about any discounts or payment plans available for you!
Do Braces Hurt?
Braces may be a bit uncomfortable or cause some irritation in your mouth, but they are not painful. Sometimes after a visit to the orthodontist, you may feel some soreness due to the tightening of braces. This can be alleviated by eating soft foods and taking a pain reliever for a day or two until the discomfort subsides. Irritation caused by friction between brackets and the soft tissue of the mouth can be solved with dental wax provided by your orthodontist.
Should I Still Visit My Dentist While Wearing Braces?
Absolutely! Many people assume that dentists and orthodontists do the same job, but they actually focus on very different parts of the mouth. Your orthodontist is responsible for aligning your jaw and straightening your teeth, while your dentist aims to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. It is important to continue seeing your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups so that you not only have straight teeth but healthy ones too! This is why we offer Kids Dentistry as a part of our practice, to ensure your child’s teeth are cared for.
Caring For Your Braces
Braces are an investment, and they should be treated with the care and attention that any other investment would receive. Here are a few tips to keep your braces in optimal condition so your treatment stays on track. Try to spend a few extra minutes brushing between your brackets in the morning and at nighttime, and brush after meals so no food particles get stuck among the wires. At least once a day, you should use the special flosser provided by your orthodontist to deep clean in between your teeth.
We advise all patients undergoing braces treatment to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods as these can damage your braces and require an emergency visit to your orthodontist. It is better to leave these foods to enjoy once your braces are off, and there is no risk of wires poking out or brackets being loosened.
What Happens When I Get My Braces Off?
Getting your braces off is an exciting day! You finally get to see your end result after years of treatment. Your orthodontist will remove the brackets and wires from your mouth and clean your teeth of any residual glue. You will be given a retainer that ensures all the hard work your braces did is not lost. Make sure to wear the retainer as often as you can, only removing it for meals or cleaning your teeth for the first 4-6 months after braces removal. Now it’s time to show off your beautiful smile to the rest of the world!